It’s no longer news that the economic policies and reforms of the Tinubu-led APC government are beginning to yield results, bringing a level of stability to Nigeria’s economy. For this, kudos must go to President Tinubu and his team.
But the question remains — what next?
As Mr. President rightly stated in his 65th Independence Day speech, “the worst period is over; it’s time to grow the economy.” Indeed, the time for growth has come. However, the next stage must be clear: we need to restructure — economically first, then politically.
Why Economic Restructuring First?
Nigeria’s biggest challenges are economic survival and national security — two sides of the same coin. Without addressing the economic foundation, every other reform will crumble.
For decades, discussions on restructuring have been met with resistance, especially from the North — largely due to fear of the unknown, and the memory of past crises. During the independence-era debates this tension was captured succinctly in an exchange often quoted between two founding fathers: when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe reportedly said “Let us forget our differences,” Ahmadu Bello replied, “No, let us understand our differences. I am a Muslim and a northerner. You are a Christian and an easterner. By understanding our differences we can build unity in Nigeria.”
Many among the Northern elite — who gained influence during the military era and entrenched themselves within government structures — fear losing power and control. Sadly, this same elite class has done little to improve living conditions in the North. As a result, the region now accounts for a disproportionate share of poverty in the country.
This fear — both of change and of marginalization — has stalled Nigeria’s progress and fueled mistrust, inequity, and animosity among regions. The wall of distrust keeps getting higher, while our national cohesion grows weaker.
If we truly desire to remain one united Nigeria, restructuring is not optional — it is essential.
Building from the Regions Up
Nigeria’s six geo-political zones already provide a natural framework for economic regions. Each can be empowered to develop at its own pace, harnessing its unique natural and human resources.
Thankfully, the Federal Government has taken steps to support regional development. These regional structures should be fully activated and resourced so states within each zone can cooperate to build industry, create jobs, and attract investment.
Let each region look inward, unlock its solid minerals and agricultural potential, and create value locally. When regional economies begin to thrive, attention will naturally shift from Abuja to the zones. Healthy competition among regions will drive innovation, prosperity, and national pride. As prosperity grows, the walls of animosity will crumble, and trust will gradually be rebuilt.
Economic restructuring will show every region that it can stand strong not by dominating federal power, but by controlling its own economic destiny.
Then Comes Political Restructuring
Once regional economies are reasonably secure, political restructuring becomes both practical and sustainable.
Nigeria must adopt a truly federal constitution that clearly defines the powers of the central government — focusing on matters common to all (defence, foreign affairs, immigration) — while granting regions autonomy to manage internal affairs, security, and economic policy.
Each region should also craft a regional constitution reflecting its culture, aspirations, and priorities. This fosters ownership, inclusivity, and mutual respect among diverse peoples.
National Security – A big shield for all.
To protect what we build, we should also pass a robust National Asset Protection Bill that shields critical infrastructure and strategic resources from internal sabotage or external predation.
Conclusion
Our diversity is a strength when managed with fairness, justice and mutual understanding. As Chief Obafemi Awolowo observed in Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947), “Nigeria is not a nation. It is a mere geographical expression. There are no ‘Nigerians’ in the same sense as there are ‘English,’ ‘Welsh,’ or ‘French’.” That sober diagnosis was intended as a prompt for deliberate federal design — not a resignation.
If we truly want Nigeria to endure and prosper as one nation, restructuring — economic first, political next — is the only realistic way forward.
May Nigeria succeed.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
